Hello cmcfarling09

Without physically inserting the OS disk in the server DVD drive, how else could I get it to recognize an OS media disk? Is my ISO image perhaps the problem? In other words since I created it from the UFD and not directly from the original DVD could that be causing a problem? Assuming there's nothing wrong with the ISO would the USC normally recognize an ISO mounted via Remote File Share as a valid OS install disk and proceed beyond step 4?

Yes, the issue is likely the ISO. The LCC is very particular about the OS image that it wants. Make sure you are selecting SBS 2011 as the OS during the LCC setup. If it does not recognize the ISO you are using then I would recommend using a different ISO. The LCC install will only properly detect retail copies, so if you are using a volume license copy or anything other than a standard retail copy it will not likely detect it. Also, if the program used to create the ISO from the DVD changes the formatting or adds extra information to the ISO file to make it different from the DVD in any way it will not detect properly.

In short, yes you can install SBS 2011 from an ISO. If you are encountering issues then I would troubleshoot the medium.

Thanks

Thanks for the insight. You stated :

" The LCC install will only properly detect retail copies"

What about the Windows install disk that came with the server? That would not be a retail disk, should't it recognize that?

What about the Windows install disk that came with the server? That would not be a retail disk, should't it recognize that?

Yes, the OEM discs that we supply read as retail copies. They should work fine with the LCC.

Thanks

FYI, I downloaded the SBS2011 Essentials eval ISO install disk from Microsoft just to try it out and see what would happen. It installed and activated as an OEM copy. So it seems that is an alternative option.

So since the LCC doesn't detect  Windows 2012 R2 Volume license how can I install it?

+1 here, I have Volume Educational versions, have same issue.

Install directly from the OS media.

I simply gave you the simplest alternative to installing the OS. The biggest problem with Dell's deployment tools, is that they are required to comply with all Windows terms and licensing, and it doesn't take long to become out of date to the point it must be updated before it is useful again, and the process to update isn't as easy as it should be. I can install manually in half the time that would take, so my recommendation is usually not to bother.

Install directly from the OS media.

I apologize if my comment seemed to be leveled at you directly. I should have been more clear in my reply to specifically state how Dell's documentation could save users a lot of grief by clearly stating "Dell OS Deployment Tools require the retail version of Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2" or something similar. I should also have thanked you for providing the details which Dell's documentation completely omitted.